THE USK FLOODS, FEBRUARY 2002

Severe flooding affected the town and surrounding area in early February 2002. There was heavy rain all day on 01.02.02 and by the evening the river was already over the lower bank, blocking the path on the east side. Rain continued through the night and during the next day and by evening the river level had risen alarmingly, nearly reaching the top of the arches (photo 1). Though not directly caused by the river itself, several roads were flooded, notably near the Glen-Yr-Afon House Hotel (photo 3), the lower end of Mill Street (photo 4), near Casey's Court, now renamed The Olway Inn Hotel (photo 5), and at the small bridge half way between Usk and Llanllowell. The playing field adjacent to the river was flooded to a depth of about 5 feet (photo 6).

The flood defence organisation was mobilised and sand bags were issued to the properties in greatest danger. In the event, the river level peaked during the night, without breaching the riverbank. It remained very high for the next few days. A number of trees uprooted upstream became lodged against the bridge pillars and had to be removed later in the year.